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SAMPLE CHILDCARE SERVICE
SAFETY STATEMENT
For the attention of all Employees, Contractors,
Visitors
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Contents.
Policy Statement Page 3
Duties of the Employees Page 3
Emergency Telephone Numbers Page 4
Occupational First Aiders Page 4
Training Page 4
First Aid Page 4
Accident Reporting Procedure Page 4
Consultation Page 4
Hazard Rating Page 5
Training Records Index One
Source of Forms & Information on Health & Safety. Index Two
Contractors – Authorised. Index Three.
Signature List of Employee Statement Readers. Index Four.
Safety File. Index Five.
Risk Assessment on Hazards.
Bullying/Harassment. Page 6
Drugs & Alcohol Page 7
First Aid & Accidents Page 7
Fire Page 8
Manual Handling Page 9
Mobile Phones. Page 10
Housekeeping. Page 11
Contractors Page 12
Personal Protective Equipment. Page 13
Young/Non-National Workers. Page 14
Welfare Page 15
Noise Page 16
Lone Workers Page 17
Parking. Page 18
Visual Display Units Page 19
Working at Heights. Page 20
Emergency Breakdown –Vehicle. Page 21.
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Policy Statement.
Our policy at Sample Childcare Service is to comply with the Health, Safety and
Welfare Act 2005, and the associated General Application Regulations 2007,
which set out how the prevention of ill-health and accidents at work is to be
achieved.
This Safety Statement is aimed at protecting our staff, clients, contractors and
members of the public from work place accidents and ill- health.
The Safety Statement is available to all our employees, outside service providers
and Inspectors of the Health & Safety Authority.
The necessary training and system of work will be given to ensure as far as
reasonably practicable, a workplace free from hazards and risks.
It is our policy, when purchasing new equipment or altering/replacing existing
equipment to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that they are free from
hazards and of CE quality. The same will apply to all our systems of work.
The required funding and resources to effect this policy will be made available.
We will update this policy, as necessary and will review same, at least once per
year. In particular we undertake, to comply with all relevant health, safety and
welfare legislation to include the following.
• Provisions of a safe workplace.
• Safe access and egress routes
• Safe system of work/safe equipment.
• Provision of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Signed: Date__________________
……………………………………………………Company Director.
Duties of the Employees.
Employees are reminded of their responsibilities under the Health,
Safety and Welfare Act 2005, and General Application Regulations 2007:
� Read and understand the company safety statement.
� Co-operate with management to enable him/her to comply
with statutory provisions.
� Take reasonable care of their own safety, health and welfare
and that of all others.
� Make proper use of all equipment appropriate to your work.
� Make proper use of personal protective equipment and care of
same.
� Report immediately to your immediate manager/supervisor
any defects in equipment, place of work, systems of work,
which might endanger the safety, health, welfare of which
he/she becomes aware of.
� Refrain from playing dangerous practical jokes or engage in
horseplay.
� Report any injury to him/her, which occurs at work even if the
injury does not stop him/her from working.
� Suggest safer methods of work.
NAME OF SAFETY OFFICER: NAME OF PERSON
NOTE:- Staff members who jeopardise their safety and that of others,
or who fail to observe safety rules, are subject to corrective action up
to and including dismissal.
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Emergency Telephone Numbers.
112 0r 999
Local Doctor: Tel:
Local Hospital: Tel:
Fire Brigade: Tel:
Ambulance Service: Tel:
Gardai: Tel:
Local Health and Safety Authority: Tel:
Clergy: Tel:
OCCUPATIONAL FIRST AIDERS.
Name: Tel:
Name: Tel:
Name: Tel:
Training
Staff training will be conducted in all areas relevant to Health and Safety:
Safety Awareness/First Aid/Manual Handling/Fire Safety/VDU Safety.
The person responsible for training: NAME OF PERSON
First Aid.
First Aid Equipment, to include a first aid kit, will be available in
Operations Floor, HR Office and Administration reception. A kit will be
supplied for all operational transport vehicles. The person responsible
for the provision and periodic checking of all first aid kits is: Name of
person.
Accident Reporting Procedure.
It is a requirement under the 2005 Act that all accidents resulting in
personal injury must be reported to the Health & Safety Authority.
Reportable accidents are defined as those which result in death or three
calendar day’s absence from the employees normal work duty. Best
practice – proforma forms link to www.hsa.ie IR1 & IR3 Forms.
The person responsible for Reporting Accidents is: Name of person
Consultation on Health & Safety Matters
Galway City & County Childcare is committed to meeting its obligations
under the Health, Safety & Welfare Act 2005 & General Applications 2007
on consultation with its staff. Alex MacLean will meet with staff on a
regular basis to discuss Health, Safety & Welfare aspects at work.
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Hazards ---------- General
Rating:
Severity X Likelihood.
High: = Death or very serious injury.
Medium: = Serious injury/illness.
Low: = minor injury/illness.
This system of risk rating will apply to all hazards associated with prior risk
assessment of Galway City & County Childcare.
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Galway City & County Childcare Galway & County Locations.
Bullying & Harassment.
Activity: Normal Work Hazard. Risk to: Employees
Associated Hazard:
Bullying/Harassment
Risk of: Emotional
Illness/fear/anxiety/depression.
Bodily harm/stress.
Safety Coordinator. Name of person.
Control Measures: Risk Rating.
• The company will not tolerate bullying or
harassment under any circumstances.
• The company Policy Statement on
Bullying will be adhered to.
• The company Grievance Policy/Procedure
will be used to deal with all complaints.
• All incidents of such behavior will be
reported and investigated immediately
and necessary corrective action taken.
LOW.
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Drugs & Alcohol
Activity: Work, Driving and
Operating Equipment
Risk To: Employees/Sub –
contractors/clients/public.
Associated Hazard:
Loss of Control.
Risk Of:
Injury/loss of limb/life.
First Aid & Accidents:
Activity: All work activities. Risk to: Employees
Associated Hazards:
Insufficient/inadequate treatment.
Risk of:
Injury
Control Measures: Risk Rating.
• The consumption of alcohol while on duty is
forbidden.
• Arriving on duty after partaking of alcohol will not
be tolerated.
• The use and possession of illegal substances is
strictly forbidden and will result in instant
dismissal.
LOW
Control Measures: Risk Rating.
• Trained Occupational First Aiders are provided.
• All Certification is current and authorized by a
recognized First Aid Instructor.
• Adequate and appropriate First Aid equipment is
provided and maintained on each site and vehicle.
• Rest facility will be provided to assist recovery.
• All incidents will be recorded in the First Aid Book.
• All Reportable Accidents and/or Dangerous
Occurrence will be reported to the HSA on IR1 or
IR3, as required by statutory provisions.
Medium
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Fire
Activity:
All Tasks.
Risk to:
Employees/Public.
Associated Hazard:
Flammable materials/liquids. Toxic
fumes.
Risk of:
Burns/Scalds – Death.
Control Measures: Risk Rating:
• All areas will be maintained free from hazards, as far
as reasonably practical.
• Areas –inside & outside- will be kept clear of any
accumulation of rubbish and combustible materials.
• Solvents/cleaners will be at a minimum, stored
correctly and in their correct containers.
• All contract work/repairs will be with authorized
contractors and subject to a Permit to Work system.
• All staff will receive induction training to their place of
work.
• All staff will be trained in the recognition of the
causes of fire, the correct type of fire extinguisher to
be used and how to raise the fire alarm.
• All staff will be familiar with at least two escape
routes from their work area and with the fire
extinguishers in their area.
• All passage ways/escape routes will be kept clear.
• Staff will familiarize themselves with the Emergency
Evacuation Plan and know their Assembly Point.
• Fire points must never be obstructed.
• Extinguishers and fire systems will be maintained
yearly or as necessary.
Medium.
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Manual Handling
Activity:
Stacking/Loading/Delivering/Sorting
Supplies.
Pushing/pulling/supporting loads.
Physical handling of Clients.
Driving journeys.
Risk To:
Employees & Clients.
Associated Hazards:
Hurting self or others.
Risk Of:
Back injury/hand
injury/hernia/muscle
tear/cramp/crush injuries/fatigue.
Control Measures. Risk
Rating.
As part of induction training all employees will be trained
in manual handling and client handling by a Qualified
Manual Handling Instructor.
Mechanical lifting devices will be supplied and used where
possible.
Stores/storage areas will be organized and proper
housekeeping techniques adopted.
Work will be arranged to avoid over-reaching or twisting
when handling clients or goods.
Employees will not carry anything that obscures their
vision.
Suitable trained staff will carry out two person lifts.
No person who has a history of back trouble will undertake
any manual handling tasks.
Clear communication is necessary when physically handling
clients.
Driving long journeys leads to fatigue – drivers must have
their seat set correctly- head rest set correctly- take regular
road-breaks – remain alert
High
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Galway City & County Childcare Centre.
Mobile Phones/Mobile GPS.
Activity:
Using/operating mobile
phones/microphones whilst
driving.
Observing GPS whilst mobile.
Risk to:
Employees/visitors/ other road
users/pedestrians/ cyclists/your car
passengers.
Associated Hazard:
Loss of concentration/distraction.
Risk of:
Injury/ill-health/death.
Control Measures Risk Rating
• The overall use of mobile phones should be kept
to a minimum.
• Mobile phones for use in car must by law have a
fitted handsfree kit.
• Mobile phones must be switched OFF before
performing any hazardous task.
• Mobile phone must not be used whilst fueling
your vehicle.
• Speed-dial numbers must be programmed to
reduce distraction when contacting Office.
• Walkmans/personal radios are not permitted for
use within the building or compound.
LOW
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Housekeeping.--- Include Sharps.
Activity:
Slips Trips Falls
Cuts/Infection/Dermatitis.
Risk to:
Employees/Clients/Visitors/Contractors.
Associated Hazards.
Hurt. Infection
Risk of:
Infection, broken bones, cuts/infection.
Blood loss.
Control Measures Risk Rating
� Each employee must follow policy –“a place for
everything and everything in its place.”
� There must be no trailing cables on floor or
overloading of sockets.
� Food / hot drinks must be confined to welfare
facility only and not at work desk.
� Smoking: Only in designated areas and all butts
must be extinguished and disposed of correctly into
waste container.
� Contractor Cleaners are employed to maintain all
facilities to the highest hygiene standards.
� Chemicals used in cleaning may cause some persons
dermatitis or health problems – this must be
reported as soon as possible and a replacement
cleanser will be used.
� A “Clean Desk” policy operates and all
lockers/desks/cabinets must not be overloaded,
must be clean and must be secured closed.
� Frayed carpet or mats to be replaced to avoid slips/
trips/falls.
� Spillages: Clean as you go. Avoid accident.
� Sharps: Wear correct gloves – dispose safely.
Medium
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Contractors:
Activity:
Maintenance/Cleaning/Repairs/Service
Equipment/Emergency Repairs.
Risk to.
Employees/Clients/ Visitors/
Contractor Staff.
Associated Hazards:
Not familiar with the building.
Risk of:
Injury/Death.
Control Measures. Risk Rating
� Policy to engage contractors who complete a Risk
Assessment of the contract and submit their own
Safety Statement complete with Employee SafePass
details.
� Approved work to be followed in line with a Safe
System of Work document and “Work Permit”
documents.
� Office machinery repaired by Authorised Agents only.
� Couriers/An Post/Delivery persons to deliver to
Reception only.
� Visitors: Confined to Reception Area unless escorted
by authorised employee.
� Contractor staff to sign in/out of the building and on
induction to site to be given the Safety Policy of the
Company. Sign policy as understood.
� All contractors to operate a site- clean policy and
safely remove all waste/packaging/debris.
� Safety File: new installation/new fittings/new
drawings to be supplied by contractor for addition to
the Site Safety File and updated.
Low.
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Personal Protective Equipment.
Activity:
Office Work/Handling Clients.
Risk to:
Employees/Clients/Visitors
Associated Hazard:
Stress
Risk of:
Cuts/Bruises/falls/stress.
Control Measures Risk Rating
� All employees must follow the company policy on
dealing with fellow employees and
clients/visitors/contractor staff.
� All Contract employees have to follow their training
in Childcare.
� Where Uniforms are required – they must be clean
and worn correctly.
� Staff should avoid wearing rings/chains/jewelry
which could cause cuts to clients and injury to the
wearer.
� When safety shoes are supplied by the employer,
they must be used, when on duty.
� Gloves, suitable to the task, must be worn to
prevent infection/contamination/illness.
Low
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Young- Non National Workers.
Activity:
General Activity/work
Risk to:
Employees
Associated Hazards:
Young/Inexperienced.
Non-National Communications.
Risk of:
Injury
Control Measure. Risk Rating
� No person under 18 years will be employed.
� All new employees will receive induction training
and will be assigned to an experienced employee
until considered safe at work. The Safety
Statement will be part of this training induction
process.
� Records will be kept of all training – Fire –
Manual Handling – First Aid.
� Only when management is satisfied that the new
employee is competent will he/she be permitted
to work.
� All young/inexperienced workers will be under
the direct supervision of a competent person for
the duration of their training.
� All new employees must be briefed on Company
Policy – Equal Status – Equality – Data
Protection.
Low.
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Welfare Facilities.
Activity:
General Work Activities.
Risk to:
Employees/Clients/Visitors.
Associated Hazards.
Lack of Welfare Facility/Neglect.
Risk of:
Poor hygiene/wet/cold/ill-health.
Control Measurers. Risk Rating
� Suitable facilities will be supplied in line with the
requirements versus the number of persons in the
building.
� There will be at all times hot and cold running water.
Separate drinking water supplied.
� All areas inspected on a regular basis and areas
maintained to the highest hygiene standards. Hand
dispenser for soap. Hygiene hand cleaner/dryer.
� All areas well lighted and ventilated.
� All supplies of paper towel stored off floor and suitable
holders /disposal bins fitted.
� In order to protect non-smokers, smoking is prohibited
in all areas/company vehicles and enclosed areas.
� Canteen facility must be maintained to the highest
standard. Suitable tables and individual chairs fitted.
� All Office/Canteen/Welfare waste must be removed on
a daily basis.
� Rento -kill contractor engaged to eliminate the risk of
pest/vermin.
� Contractor engaged to take care of Sanitary Services
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Noise:
Activity:
Office machinery/fans/printers.
Risk to:
Employees.
Associated Hazard.
Tiredness/fatigue.
Risk of:
Reduced hearing.
Noise induced hearing loss.
Control Measures. Risk Rating
� All office equipment will be fitted to the
highest standard and printers will be isolated to
a noise proofed locker.
� Employees will keep telephone control volumes
low to avoid distraction to other employees.
� Broadcast/Music Radios are Not Permitted.
(Inc. license and IMRO fees).
� All machinery will receive regular maintenance.
Low.
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LONE WORKERS.
Activity:
Travelling to attend meetings.
Visiting childcare centers.
Visiting clients in remote locations.
Risk to:
Employees.
Associated Hazard.
Isolation
Risk of:
Isolation/Harm/Threat
Alone/Weather/ dogs.
Control Measures. Risk Rating.
� All internal and company meetings will be
preplanned and agenda circulated.
� All Employees travelling to other centers must
brief their Senior Management and diary their
movement in the interest of safety.
� When any employee is working alone and visiting
a client during night or day in isolated areas their
Childcare Training and Policy must be followed: 1.
Car must be fully fueled/ tyres pumped including
spare –check oil/water/kits. 2. Mobile phone must
be fully charged and working. 3. Your Office
contact must be briefed of your schedule and
planned estimated time of arrival at client. 4.
Confirm safe arrival, situation brief, estimated
time of departure. 5. Confirm departure and
current situation. 6. Confirm home arrival and
closedown.
� Prior to arrival at Client – make telephone contact
and request dogs or other hazards to be removed.
Always be aware that the family pet may react
inappropriately to a stranger/visitor.
� Be aware of your route and its facilities when
preplanning.
� Programme your phone to speed-dial your
emergency contacts/breakdown service/nearest
Garda Station. 112 Emergencies.
Medium
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Parking.
Activity:
Parking of Car in Confined Space
Risk to:
Employees/Visitors
Associated Hazard.
Injury/damage
Risk of:
Injury/stress/pain.
Control Measures Risk Rating.
• Parking is provided for staff at the Center but
due to operating in a confined space,
negotiating the area may be difficult, at times.
• Travel at a much reduced speed and maintain
good area vision.
• Seek help if reversing from a confined space.
• Remember to secure car and valuable items to
the boot, out of sight.
• Laptop Computer/Client details must never be
left unattended in car.
• Password and protect laptop/mobile phone
/GPS (if fitted).
• Client/Visitor meeting should be staggered to
maximize the use of available car parking
spaces.
Low.
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Visual Display Units.
Activity:
Working at Desk/Computer
Risk to.
Employees
Associated Hazards.
Upper Limb Disorders/Pain.
Risk of
Pain in body joints/back pain/wrist
pain/Eye Strain.
Control Measures Risk Rating.
• Under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005 & General
Applications 2007, it is a requirement that all employees using VDU in
excess of one hour per day are trained in their correct use and posture.
• The individual is effected by the temperature/humidity/lighting/
noise at the office.
• Temperature of 17.5 degrees. Humidity approx. 45%. Lighting (non
flicker) 300-600 lux. Noise 55db.
• The chair must be suitable to the individual and the individual must
be able to make any necessary adjustments. A foot rest should be
supplied on request.
• The individual must be given the facility of an eye sight test each
year and paid for by the employer. Should glasses be required, the
employer will provide payment for same.
• The screen should be 18 to 24 inches, square in front of the
employee. The desk must be free from clutter and be of a non reflective
surface.
• There should be no glare onto the screen. To stop eye strain the
individual should look off 20 meters to a focus point (ie calendar with
large numbers) every twenty minutes for 20 seconds. Adjustable window
blind essential.
• Regular breaks must be taken – suggested 10 minutes every hour.
Vary the task on a regular basis and mix with filing and other office tasks.
• Take regular exercise for neck and shoulders.
Medium
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Working at Height.
Activity:
Storage of goods.
Risk to
Employees/Clients/Visitor
Associated Hazard.
Falls/injury/damage.
Collapse.
Risk of:
Injury/ bleeding/broken bones
Control Measures Risk Rating
• Under regulations working at heights is now
considered a hazard above ground zero level.
• A suitable unit with platform and handles will
be provided, when required, to take units
down from a height. This action will be done
with a second person on standby at the
platform unit.
• Under no circumstances may any employee
take a risk of climbing, using a swivel chair or
stand on a box to take any item from a height.
• All storage will be on shelving at a suitable
level to avoid climbing and to avoid over
reaching and therefore causing manual
handling injuries.
• Changing of lighting will be completed on
request by a competent trained employee,
using the correct platform steps and with a
team assistant.
Low.
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Emergency Procedures—Breakdowns - Vehicle.
Activity
Driving
Risk to.
Employee /Other road users.
Associated Hazard
Puncture/Burst tyre/ Brake failure.
Running out of fuel.
Risk of:
Accidents/injuries
Control Measures Risk Rating.
� The individual must be aware that they check their
transport on a regular basis for oil and water.
� The fuel gauge should be maintained above the
minimum of at least one quarter tank.
� The individual must carry in their possession their
valid driving license.
� The individual must make certain that
Tax/Insurance is in order.
� The individual must be alert to the service
record/requirements of the vehicle.
� In the event of a break down, bring the car to a
halt gradually and into a safe location.
� Put out the required warning triangle, summon
assistance as required.
� Use the hazard warning lights.
� If you are unable to change a tyre, do not attempt
to do so, call for assistance.
� Do not leave laptop/Company-Client information
in any unattended vehicle.
Low
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INDEX ONE.
Training Records:
Training records are essential for Internal Audits and a record of the
progress from each individual employee.
A master sheet must be complete- signed – dated by all employees
attending any training course. This document is held with insurance
and audit files.
All training sessions must be recorded against the records of the
individual. Policy is to have the employee and the trainer
countersign a pro-forma document indicating the type of training,
the duration of same, the test results, student comments, and
request for additional training.
Personnel documents must be filed against the individuals records
and must be secured under Data Protection Regulations:
www.dataprotection.ie.
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Index Two
Source of Information and Forms for Health Safety & Welfare.
All current information is available, free of charge, via the internet
on the web site: www.hsa.ie
Contents of First Aid Locker/Kits. Refer: www.hsa.ie
Accident and Dangerous Occurrence Forms: IR1 & IR3 refer:
www.hsa.ie.
Training information: www.niso.ie
A regular investigation of the web site www.hsa.ie will be made
to keep Galway City & County Childcare up to date with current
legislation.
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INDEX THREE: Contractors- Sub Contractors.
Certificate of Compliance:
I confirm that I have read and studied the relevant sections of this Safety
Statement as it applies to us and our company employees will comply
with all its requirements, at all times.
We will supply trained competent staff and will supply them, at our cost,
with the appropriate personal protective equipment necessary for their
job.
All staff will be instructed to report all accidents/injury/hazard
identification to the Safety Coordinator immediately.
The company accepts all the requirements for working in a safe manner
as outlined in this Safety Statement and will fully cooperate in all areas to
support and improve the safety on site.
All our staff will cooperate with the company staff and with the staff of
other staff of sub-contractors on site.
Date Nature of
work/Service
Company name. Signature. Comment.
Additional comment maybe submitted to the Safety Coordinator, in
writing.
Thank You.
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INDEX FOUR. Employees Declaration.
I hereby declare that I have read the Company’s Safety
Statement, understood its contents, and I will comply
with its requirements.
I understand that I may submit, in writing, any
comments/observations to the Safety Coordinator.
I understand the source of Health Safety & Welfare
information is available to me on www.hsa.ie as an
addition to my internal training.
Name (block
capitals)
Signature/date. Comment/observations.
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Index Five: Safety File.
It is the policy of Sample Childcare Service to request all
suppliers and contractors to submit any manuals and
drawings of installations/equipment/ wiring/maintenance
alterations to be held on site at the office of the Building
Manager.
This is a requirement under the Construction Regulations
2006.
The Fire Safety Manual will be updated on all
maintenance services and fire drills.
This is a requirement under the Fire Safety Act
1981/2003.